Day: March 31, 2011

In keeping with its mission to promote safe bicycling throughout the Washington region, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) is pleased to announce that it has scheduled a series of Confident City Cycling (CCC) and Learn to Ride (L2R) classes. A non-refundable $10 registration fee, plus additional fees may apply. These classes are designed to provide cyclists with the skills they need incorporate bicycling into their daily routines, on city streets for errands, commuting, and fun. Several classes, with bikes provided by Capital Bikeshare, are offered free for DC’s Ward 7 and 8 residents as part of WABA’s new outreach initiative.

WABA offers several types of CCC classes: CCC1 is a 2 hour basic skills class and CCC2 is a 4 hour vehicular cycling and avoidance maneuver class. Both types of class involve an on-line course and on-bike drills. In addition to these, WABA also offers a 3 hour L2R class for non-riding adults who want to learn how.

CCC1 (2 hr.) covers basic bicycling information and on-bike skills such as: bicycle selection, fit, inspection, gearing, cadence, clothing, accessories, and bike handling basics like starting and stopping, riding straight, scanning and signaling. Half of this class will be an on-line course and half will be on-bike practicing bike handling skills. Participants must bring their own bikes, helmets, and water. Participants will be required to sign liability waivers. This class is a great way to get reacquainted with your bike after a long winter.

CCC2 (4 hr.) Covers more advanced cycling techniques such as: vehicular cycling principles, roadway positioning, lane changes, turns and parking lot drills to learn avoidance maneuvers. Half of this class will be an on-line course and half will be on-bike practicing avoidance maneuvers and finally a supervised group ride on open streets with motorized traffic. CCC1 is a prerequisite for new or beginning riders. Participants must bring their own bikes, helmets, and water. Clipless/SPD shoes/pedals are not recommended for this class. Participants will be required to sign liability waivers. Even veteran commuters learn some new tricks in this comprehensive class.

L2R (3 hr.) is the entry class to bicycling. This class is designed for adults who have never learned to ride a bicycle. We will employ a special technique for teaching balance, steering, starting, stopping and pedaling. We use a technique that is very successful and use friendly and encouraging trained instructors. Bikes and helmets provided.

“As casual cyclists contemplate taking the next step to using their bikes on city streets alongside motorized traffic, this class can provide much-needed help. We hope you will enjoy getting to class by bike and transit, and discovering the city’s diverse system of Libraries and Recreation Centers at the same time” says Glen Harrison, WABA’s Director of the Safety Education Programs.

The Confident City Cycling Classes are offered on the following dates: